Grocery stores are a necessity for customers, but a haven for pests. The same things that attract shoppers (fresh food, flowers, and drinks) can also lure unwanted critters. With the high foot traffic, it’s a challenge to make sure only paying customers are in your aisles.
But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips to help you keep those pesky intruders out of your business – particularly with grocery store-specific extermination.
Common Grocery Store Pests
Before we dive into prevention, let’s talk about the usual suspects:
- Cockroaches: These sneaky insects love warm, damp places and are attracted to food debris.
- Flies: They’re not just annoying; they can spread diseases too.
- Rodents: Mice and rats can damage products and spread harmful germs.
- Stored product pests: These tiny bugs can infest dry goods like flour and cereal.
- Birds: While they might seem harmless, birds can create unsanitary conditions in your store.
These pests aren’t picky eaters. They’ll munch on all sorts of foods, such as: wheat, corn, beans, rice, cereals, nuts, and other grains. And the scary part is these bugs reproduce very quickly, creating huge pest populations in no time.
Stored Product Pests
Every grocery store owner needs to know about stored product pests: moths, weevils, and certain types of beetles. Stored product pests are tricky to get rid of because they can spread out all over the store. They might have more than one source, and some products might already have pest eggs when they arrive at the store.
To help prevent these pests, check new products carefully when they arrive, rotate items like pet food and grain-based products regularly, and remove any infested items from the store right away.
17 Best Practices for Pest Prevention
Food Storage and Handling
- Keep all food off the floor. Use shelves or display cases to store products.
- Check deliveries carefully. Look for damaged packaging or signs of pests.
- Get rid of cardboard boxes quickly. Break them down and throw them away far from your store.
Cleanliness
- Make a cleaning schedule. Don’t forget food bars, self-serve areas, delis, dining spots, break rooms, and bathrooms.
- Clean up spills right away. Even tiny crumbs can attract pests.
- Pay extra attention to corners and cracks when cleaning. These are pest hotspots.
- Don’t leave unsealed food out, especially fruit. It’s like ringing the dinner bell for flies!
Maintenance
- Check food containers regularly. Look for cracks, damage, or loose seals.
- Empty trash daily. Keep outdoor bins covered and away from the building.
- Keep kitchen items clean and dry when not in use.
- Clean grease spills thoroughly. Many pests love grease!
- Keep doors closed and check seals often. Fix any wear and tear.
- Inspect for leaks regularly. Check pipes, drains, appliances, and drink dispensers.
- Make sure drains have screens and are free of food debris.
- Keep the outside of your store tidy. Cut grass and trim plants away from the building.
Team Effort
- Teach your staff about pest prevention. They should know the signs of pest activity and what attracts pests.
- Have a clear process for reporting pest sightings to management.
Why Choose Bug Out? Commercial Extermination Services Can Help
Even if you’re careful, pests might still find a way to sneak into your store. Having a professional pest control partner is important to avoid health violations and fines and prevent pests from disrupting your business.
At Bug Out, we know exactly how to treat grocery stores and supermarkets. We understand the special requirements for pest control in food businesses and the health code rules you need to follow. With our tailored pest control plans, we’ll help keep pests out of your store, protect your business and reputation, and give you peace of mind.
So don’t let pests check into your store. Let Bug Out help you show them the exit! When you work with us, you can trust that we’ll be discreet, be trustworthy, and use effective methods to keep pests away.
Reach out to us today and get started with a free service quote.
